Bible Study - LUKE: Stick Shifts and Mountaintop Experiences
- Have you ever had a “mountain top” experience? Share that with the group and remember it with gratitude. What is something God has done for you that you are thankful for or are celebrating?
- Where are you experiencing stress or anxiety? Where would like to see God move in your life or in the life of someone close to you? Ask your group to be praying with you about that.
- Review the notes you have made in pages 74-79 of your Luke Journal. What stood out to you in these passages? What questions were raised for you? What did you hear in this week’s sermon that was new or particularly interesting? Did anything stand out to you as puzzling or troubling?
- After reading each passage listed below make a note about what the passage tells you about the character and priorities of Jesus. Then make a note about what the passage tells you about character and priorities of Jesus’s disciples.
- Luke 9:28-36;
- Luke 9:37-43a;
- Luke 9:43b-45;
- Luke 9:46-48;
- Luke 9:49-50;
- Luke 9:51-56
- Think through the progression of experiences, emotions, attitudes and actions of Jesus’s disciples in the passages you just read. In what way has your journey with Jesus been similar to theirs? How has your journey been different?
- Luke 9:32 suggests that there may be times when God’s glory is on display but we don’t see, or appreciate it because we are “sleepy.” Does John’s attitude/behavior in Luke 9:49-55 indicate he’s awake or sleepy? How “awake” are you?
- In your journey with Jesus, have you ever experienced a lack of understanding of God’s will or purposes? Chris said that Luke 9:45 suggests that God kept the disciples from fully appreciating or understanding some things. Do you think God ever does that with us? Why might he do that?
- Have you ever been unsuccessful in fulfilling what you believe God has called or equipped you to do, while others have had success? How did you respond? Is it easier for you to question whether God is working through them or give glory to God for their success?
- In what way do you need to grow right now as a follower of Jesus? Understanding? Humility? Acceptance? Mercy?
- In the next 24-48 hours, what simple next step could you take in obedience to what you’ve learned from your time in God’s Word? Who would benefit from hearing what you’ve learned this week? Will you share it with them?